Time is running out on Rafael Nadal, who must make a decision soon on whether to play in the 2014 U.S. Open. The year's final tennis grand slam event could well commence without its defending champion.

Reports suggest Nadal could make a decision Friday or Saturday. Video this week showed he was working into playing form.

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Nadal hasn't played since Wimbledon because of an injured right wrist. He missed critical tune-up tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati, and now has just over a week to decide on playing at Flushing Meadows in New York.

The spirit is willing even as the flesh — and other critical internal components — are weak.

"My dream is being there and I will work for it. If it has healed I'll have to try and see how I feel when I train and Friday or at latest Saturday a decision will be made. Time is short and we'll have to wait and see if it is enough or not," Nadal said Monday.

Nadal is left-handed but needs his right wrist healthy for his two-hand backhand. Reports say he was wearing a cast and has been seen in a brace in recent court sessions.

Reports say Nadal is training as he rehabs. He injured his wrist during workouts on his home island of Mallorca.

Results of a doctor visit this week were good, showing proper healing, according to reports. In the end, it will be Nadal's decision whether to play.

It's been about six weeks since Nadal's Wimbledon ended in the Round of 16.

Ranked No. 2 in the world behind Novak Djokovic, Nadal lived up to his "king of clay" moniker by winning for the eighth time at the French Open. Last year, he came off a knee injury to win at Roland Garros and in New York.

The downside: By rushing back, Nadal could do further damage to his wrist and need surgery. Because of that, the International Business Times suggest he would skip the Open.